Top 6 fastest Test tons since 2000

#3 Shivnarine Chanderpaul – 69 balls, Georgetown, 2003

Shivnarine Chanderpaul smashed the feared Aussie attack to all parts of the ground

Chanderpaul’s valiant knock is respect-worthy from many angles. It came in a losing cause against a bowling attack that had Jason Gillespie, Brett Lee and Andy Bichel when Australia were in their prime. Chanderpaul walked in at 47 for 4 and before long, West Indies were 53 for 5. H, however, steadied the ship as he added 131 for the sixth wicket with Ridley Jacobs, in the process scoring 100 with 15 fours and 2 sixes.

That gave West Indies some respectability as they posted 237. Australia replied with 489. West Indies did better this time and were at one point 295 for 2, with a possible chance of setting Australia a stiff target, thanks to centuries by Brian Lara and Darren Ganga. However, they collapsed from that position and were all out for 398. Australia had to score 147 in the final innings which they did with ease losing just one wicket.

Nevertheless, Chanderpaul showed his prowess with the bat making his usually prosaic and defensive batting look all the more impressive and selfless.